Top NBA story lines for 2010-11

The NBA’s Yankees, on South BeachBy finding a way to sign both LeBron James and Chris Bosh, re-sign Dwayne Wade, and then surround them with talented players willing to play for much less money than they could have earned elsewhere, Miami Heat president Pat Riley and his front-office team have become an instant NBA title contender. They’ve also become the New York Yankees of the NBA, hated by those jealous of their abundance of roster riches, adored by those who love the smell of success. Seeing how this experiment in top-heavy talent accumulation plays out will be the most scrutinized story of the season.

Our beach is nicer than your beachWhile the buzz is all about the Heat, it’s the Lakers who have won the past two NBA titles and are geared up for a run at another Phil Jackson three-peat. Kobe Bryant remains the league’s most feared player and Pau Gasol has established himself as one of the league’s best bigs. They got better, too, with Steve Blake supplanting Jackson’s least favorite Laker, Jordan Farmar, at backup point guard. Don’t doubt Bryant will use the hyped Heat as motivation for another great season.

Kevin Durant’s ascentHe’s the returning NBA scoring champ and was the best player in the ?FIBA World Championships, leading Team USA to a gold medal. Now, the Thunder’s Kevin Durant has his sights on his first MVP award and a run deep into the playoffs. What ought to scare every NBA coach not named Scott Brooks: Durant thrived on the pressure of the World Championship tournament, something he has yet to do in his career, college or pro. If he is one of the league’s best clutch players this season, Oklahoma City could host its first Finals.

Whither Carmelo?The offseason pursuit of Denver’s superstar forward, Carmelo Anthony, dominated the post-?LeBron NBA news. Hardly anyone believes he will finish the season in Denver, and it is possible he could be traded before opening night. This much is true: Once Anthony is traded, the only player under closer scrutiny will be James.

A battle ROY-alThis season may provide the best battle for Rookie of the Year since 1999-2000, when Elton Brand and Steve Francis shared the trophy. That is because Clippers forward Blake Griffin, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2009, didn’t play a single game last season, which makes him eligible for 2010-11 Rookie of the Year. He is healthy and has had two training camps, which ought to get him off to a good start. This year’s No. 1 overall pick, John Wall, will start for the Wizards and is expected to have an award-worthy year.

Is that all there is?What could be the most compelling NBA season of the 21st century will be played out against the buzz-kill backdrop of a looming labor lockout. This, of course, is lunacy. Why risk killing a sport when it has reached peak popularity? Unfortunately, there are too many owners who believe they must dramatically change the financial dynamic with the players and their union to expect a happy ending to negotiations that, thus far, have produced nothing but frustration and acrimony.